Etoposide, VP-16injectionMEDICATION GUIDE

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible

information. If you have questions about this medicine talk to

your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What is this medicine?ETOPOSIDE, VP-16 (e toe POE side) is a chemotherapy drug. It

is used to treat testicular cancer, lung cancer, and other

cancers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health

care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How should I use this medicine?This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is administered in a

hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care

professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in

children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this

medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at

once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine

with others.

What if I miss a dose?It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health

care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What should I tell my health careprovider before I take thismedicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Infection

• Kidney disease

• Low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell

counts

• An unusual or allergic reaction to etoposide, other

chemotherapeutic agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or

preservatives

• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• Breast-feeding

What may interact with thismedicine?• Cyclosporine

• Medicines to increase blood counts like filgrastim,

pegfilgrastim, sargramostim

• Vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your

health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-

prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell

them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some

items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I noticefrom receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care

professional as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of

the face, lips, or tongue

• Low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number

of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be

at increased risk for infections and bleeding.

• Signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or

difficulty passing urine

• Signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint

red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine

• Signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired,

fainting spells, lightheadedness

• Breathing problems

• Changes in vision

• Mouth or throat sores or ulcers

• Pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site

• Pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin,

including inside the mouth

• Seizures

• Vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention

(report to your doctor or health care professional if they

continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea

• Hair loss

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your

doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report

side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for whileusing this medicine?Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may

make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as

chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment

even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

In some cases, you may be given additional medicines to help

with side effects. Follow all directions for their use.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get

a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu.

Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to

fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call

your doctor or health care professional if you notice any

unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick

because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you

have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving

this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen,

ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your

doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women

should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or

think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious

side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care

professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not

breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Where should I keep mymedicine?This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at

home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible

information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to

your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.